1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 XKE 4.2L

Offered for sale is an absolutely gorgeous, ntirely numbers matching, xtremely original, 8k original mile 1968 Jaguar E-Type OTS (Open Two Seater) finished in factory correct (per the original JDHT certificate) British Racing Green over black leather with an original, olid and unmolested undercarriage. While closed headlamp Series 1 E-Types are at the top of the valuation list, he transitional 1968 Series 1.5 examples are considered by many to be the best iteration of the legendary model, lending the preferred early design cues with a more user-friendly gearbox with synchromesh on first gear, superior Lockheed brake servo, mproved cooling and electrical systems and improved seating arrangements. Series 1.5 models are also some of the rarest standard production Jaguars, o if you’re you’re looking for an excellent investment that can be driven and enjoyed, his 1968 E-Type Roadster checks all the right boxes.

Delivered new by Jaguar Cars New York to a Mr. James Rayburn, e would own the car for seven years, elling it in 1975 to the car’s second owner, businessman from upstate New York. He would own the car for the ensuing 40 years and, ike the first owner, ould only use the car sparingly in fair weather months. Because of its New York history, efore acquiring the car we had it inspected by marque expert Scott Riter of Scott Riter Classic Auto Service in Victor, Y and the results of his inspection were overwhelmingly positive. Upon taking delivery, e found the car to be in lovely original condition – very strong mechanically, osmetically beautiful, ntirely solid and honest – a testament to the high level of care afforded by its previous owners. Throughout its life the car has been a garage queen, njoyed in moderation, roperly maintained and garaged, ith refurbishments taking place as needed. That said, t’s worth reinforcing that at its core this is an exceptionally original, umbers matching example.

Refinished in factory correct and exceedingly desirable British Racing Green a decade ago, the paint remains in great shape: deep, ustrous and marred only by a few minor chips, one of which are significant enough to be visible in the pictures. The body is entirely straight, ree of dings or dents and it retains consistent gaps and panel fits throughout. The brightwork and all of the glass is in good original condition, s are the knock-off chrome wire wheels. The interior is entirely original and shows a commensurate level of charming patina, he soft top was replaced a few years ago and the car comes with both the original boot cover and a newer replacement. The car also retains its original Motorola radio, which remarkably is still fully functional.

Series 1.5 Roadsters are exalted amongst motoring enthusiasts, hanks in no small part to the venerable 4.2L engine. Rebuilt 15 years and 8k miles ago by a well-regardedshop, he original numbers matching engine fires up without hesitation, dles consistently and pulls strongly and smoothly through each of the gearbox’s four gears, ith excellent compression across all cylinders. The cooling system works well and the exhaust note from the dual stainless system is fantastic, the perfect accompaniment to the visceral, rin-inducing ride quality. The car runs and brakes straight and true, he suspension is tight and the car is a joy to drive, hether tooling through town, oaring through the canyons or bombing down the highway.

With E-Types fetching ever more outlandish prices in collector car auctions over the last few years, his is an excellent opportunity to acquire a fairly priced, honest, eautiful, ery original and appreciating Series 1.5 with strong, numbers matching mechanicals and clean cosmetics. Whether it will continue service as a cherished weekend driver, s a Jaguar Club of North America touring and event participant or as a welcomed addition to a collection, his rare and desirable example needs nothing to be enjoyed but a new owner to continue the excellent stewardship provided by its previous.